Annual Awards for Achievement 2008

Ambassador of the Year 2008

Ken Pye

Ken Pye, Senior Programme Director of Common Purpose in Merseyside and a well-known figure in the area, has won national employment charity Tomorrow's People's Ambassador of the Year Award. This Award recognises the outstanding contribution made by individuals who support Tomorrow's People and who generously give their time and expertise to help the charity achieve its aims.

Ken attended the Tomorrow's People's Awards for Achievement dinner at Plaisterers' Hall in the City of London with his wife Jackie, in his capacity as Merseyside Patron and, without knowing that he was to receive an award. The charity's Annual Awards for Achievement both pay tribute to people who have overcome significant barriers in their quest to get into work, and recognise the vital role partner organisations and individuals play in supporting the work of Tomorrow's People.

Ken had been a Vice Patron in Merseyside for some time before accepting the role of Patron in September 2007. The Merseyside group had been in slow decline before he agreed to take it on and breathe new life into it. He immediately set to work identifying new recruits, and it is an enormous tribute to him that almost everyone he approached immediately accepted his invitation to join the group.

Ken has created a team of committed individuals who are passionate about their city and improving the lives of local people. They have offered a wide range of practical help and are a constant source of new ideas. This wouldn't have happened without Ken's leadership, drive and passion for Merseyside - the profile he provided Tomorrow's People with when he accepted the role opened with the words 'Ken Pye is a Scouser born and bred and proud of it'; something he has amply demonstrated as Merseyside Patron.